Most of us are familiar with this popular scene from the infamous chick flick “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”, and we laugh as it seems so bizarre that a girl put her boyfriend through that humiliation. The truth of the matter is that we all fall victims to, or are guilty ourselves of committing this overbearing behavior . Whether it’s telling our significant other who they can or cannot hang out with or wiping off their face when they’re done with a meal, how do you know when you’ve crossed the line of being a protective, caring companion and entered into an overbearing, parenting type role? Here are a few tips to ensure that he doesn’t accidentally call you mom instead of your actual name.

Ask, Don’t tell

“Will you take out the trash babe?” sounds a whole lot different then, “How about you get off the couch and take out the damn trash!” If you’re nagging him and getting on his ass about doing something, he’s going to be a lot less apt to do it. Ask him nicely… at least a few times. If he doesn’t do it, then you can jump down his throat. No, but really..

Leave the Baby Talk at Home

Calling him little pet names in front of his buddies will not only embarrass him, but he’ll forever be called “schnookems” or “love bunny” by them as well. So even when he does something super cute while you’re with a group of people, resist the urge to call him sugar buns and save it till later.

Pay Attention to His Reaction

Reminding him to confirm an appointment or wiping up his face after eating a messy meal may be your way of showing how much you care, but you may be stepping on his toes.. and his pride. He may enjoy you taking care of him, as many men do, but he may also be searching for independence that you’re not allowing him to experience. If you do these things and he doesn’t seem to mind or encourages you to engage in these caretaking behaviors, you’re probably not crossing the line. If he seems perturbed or irritated and rolls his eyes or sighs when you do these things, then perhaps you’re overstepping your boundaries.

Communication is key

In any case, make sure the two of you are communicating. He may be afraid to bring up the issue because he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings, so you should initiate it. Ask if it bothers him when you try taking care of him or helping him out. Use a non-threatening approach so that he doesn’t feel pressured and can be honest with you. Some women can’t help but let their mothering role take over, you just need to make sure that it doesn’t smother your main role– the girlfriend role.

Alex Wise

Welcome to my blog.

I’m Alex. I’m just a normal guy like any other guy. But what makes me different, is what makes you want to keep your eye out for my blog.

I’ve been studying social dynamics and personal development for the last 15 years. I’ve helped men in meeting women. I’ve helped men reaching their goals in life and I’ve helped myself develop the lifestyle that I want.
You can learn all that and draw from my experience through my blog.

Why should you read this blog?
The goal is simply giving you the tools and knowledge in how you can change your life and create the lifestyle that you want.
Do you want to improve your dating life?
Do you have goals you don’t know how to reach?
Do you feel that your life is boring and feel stuck?
I will share my years of experience and knowledge in exactly those areas. Areas in the past which I had trouble with too.

However I’ve found the key to solving those problems and I’m sharing it all here, so you don’t have to go through years of trial and error like me.

What is lifestyle development?
Lifestyle development deals with every area of your life whether it’s being relationships, finances, health or personal growth. The blog’s aim is to help you create the amazing lifestyle that you want. Through my blog you will be able to follow my experiences and lessons. Articles and videos aimed to educate and motivate you into taking the necessary steps in getting the life you deserve.

I am also a freelance editor and writer for Loveawake.com dating site.